In conversation with Sunita Vijay
Recently, Aftab Shivdasani graced the scenic city of Dehradun, where he was filming his upcoming horror-romance thriller, ‘Kasoor 2’. We had the pleasure of meeting him at the tranquil Shaheen Bagh where Urvashi Rautela, Aftab Shivdasani, Director Glen Barretto, DOP Ramani Ranjan Das, Chief Assistant Director Shubham Chaudhary (native of Dehradun) and other crew members were completely immersed in a shot. Jassie Gill of ‘Panga’ and ‘Happy Phirr Bhag Jayegi’ has also been roped in to play a key role in the film.
The film Kasoor has been produced by Asif Shaikh and Practical Productions. The film is presented by Bablu Aziz. Asif’s last film ‘Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai’, starring Manoj Bajpayee did considerably well at the box-office.
What followed was a soulful conversation that delved into various facets of his life and career. Here are some highlights from our engaging discussion:
Reflecting on Four Decades in the Industry
You’ve had a remarkable journey marked by early success – from being the popular Farex baby and Complan boy to iconic child acting roles in films like Mr India and Shahenshah, to an award-winning debut in Mast. Now, after decades in the industry with numerous successful films such as the Masti trilogy, you’re here in Dehradun for Kasoor. How do you reflect on this fulfilling journey spanning four decades?
It feels beautiful! Time has flown by. Now that you say four decades, the immense span of time strikes me! I don’t remember much from the Farex commercial. My earliest memory is meeting Shekhar Kapur Sir for Mr India at age 7, and my parents receiving a call that I got the part as one of the kids. At 19, Ramuji saw me in a commercial and cast me for Mast. Since then, it’s been almost 25 years and over 50 films. The journey has been adventurous and taught me a lot.
Excitement around Kasoor
Kasoor (2001), a massive hit, catapulted you to fame. Is the forthcoming film with the same name a role reprisal or a sequel? Is there any pressure or excitement surrounding the project, and what can audiences expect?
It’s not a sequel and has nothing to do with Kasoor (2001) where my character had died. The forthcoming film, with an independent script, is from psychological horror genre with a totally new story, characters, and music. Just the title and my casting remain the same. Since Kasoor (2001) was very successful and enjoys tremendous recall value, including the music, for the upcoming film we’ve tried to give it its own identity. We’re focusing on making a good film for our audience without the pressure of the first Kasoor’s success.
Transformation through a Vegetarian Lifestyle
Your switch to a vegetarian diet has clearly paid off in terms of fitness and appearance, from your charming days in Mast to an age reversal now with you looking stunningly fit. What do you attribute this transformation to—your vegetarian lifestyle or a disciplined routine?
Turning vegetarian in 2015 with my wife was a joint choice, spurred by compassion towards all sentient beings as we love animals. It has definitely helped my health and fitness levels. A disciplined routine, including exercise and sleep, also plays a big role. But thank you for your kind words.
Exploring OTT Platforms
OTT platforms have revolutionised entertainment consumption, offering diverse content and teeming with opportunities for actors. Can we expect to see you exploring this space further after Poison 2 and Special Ops 1.5? How do you perceive the impact of OTT on the industry, both for established and emerging talents, and how do you compare it with the silver screen?
I enjoy OTT, having done two shows so far. OTT allows more time for storytelling, unlike films which barely give us 2 hours. OTT is an interesting medium and over time has developed its share of loyal viewers. However, I personally love cinema and have relished the experience of watching films in theatres, complete with all visual and sound effects. When we consume content on OTTs, it’s invariably on smaller screens with limited sound resources. But if something exciting comes up, I’m open to OTT.
Personal Life and Family
Can you share with our readers a glimpse into your personal life, family, and your interests outside of acting? Would you encourage your daughter to pursue a career in films and entertainment?
I’ve always been a private person outside of my professional life, and thankfully, my wife Nin is the same. We enjoy a normal family life away from the spotlight – our grounded real beyond the glamorous reel. Nin, in particular, is the grounding factor in our relationship and I’m just grateful for her in my life. We try to raise our daughter Nevaeh with good values like simplicity, kindness, a helping nature, and compassion towards others. We would support her in any career she chooses. As parents, we’ll always have her back. We would never want her to feel that she can’t speak to her parents about anything ever.
Impressions of Dehradun
Dehradun and its residents hold a unique charm. As someone currently filming here, what are your impressions of the city and its people?
I first visited Dehradun only in 2022, but since then have been back thrice. They say when there is a calling for something, the universe conspires to make it happen!
The people and their warmth are memorable. It’s a shooting-friendly place where one can relax and enjoy nature. I’ve had a great time shooting here!
Uttarakhand as a Film Destination
Uttarakhand is becoming increasingly popular for film shoots. What drew you to Dehradun for this horror film?
The natural beauty and picturesque locations of Uttarakhand make it perfect for filming. The mountains, greenery, and wilderness are visually stunning for any genre, affording an ideal backdrop to a diverse category of films. I think this state will become a top choice for filmmakers in the future.
Making Uttarakhand Attractive for Film Productions
What suggestions would you offer to make Uttarakhand a more attractive destination for film productions? How can local authorities and producers facilitate a smoother filmmaking process in the region?
I think the state already offers rebates for film producers, which makes it attractive as a business proposition. There’s also a good network of line producers here to facilitate shoots. So, I believe, more exposure through films will attract even more filmmakers. It’s just a matter of time.
Staying Relevant and Fit
Your enduring success speaks volumes about your talent, persistence, and adaptability in an industry that is known for constant evolution. Importantly it stands as testament to your resilience, since there is no journey without its nadirs. How do you navigate the challenges of staying relevant and physically fit in an industry that demands both? Would you be comfortable sharing some notable hardships and how you overcame them?
I have an innate quality of adapting to changing times and behaviours, which has helped me since 1999. Maintaining one’s appearance is crucial in my industry as that’s what people see first, and my background in sports has kept me inclined towards fitness, translating into discipline in my work life. I’ve been fortunate to work in a profession I love for almost 25 years now. Of course, there have been challenging phases, but I focused on learning from them rather than spiralling into negativity. I could have done much more work but because I didn’t want to cheat myself, I prioritised quality over quantity in my roles, even if it meant turning down sub-standard work and staying at home. It wasn’t easy, as insecurities can arise, but I believed in myself and stayed positive. I firmly believe in destiny and the right timing for things to happen. I have, I do, and I will always surrender to this belief as it brings me peace.
Aftab Shivdasani on the sets of
Kasoor 2. Pic: Mohtshim Khan
